Sabres Clean House; Draisaiti Meet With NFL

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Sabres have fired general manager Tim Murray and coach Dan Bylsma after the youthful team missed the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.

Owner Terry Pegula made the announcement Thursday after spending the past two days holding season-ending meetings with Murray.

Murray had completed his third full season as GM, and was responsible for overseeing a top-to-bottom rebuilding project in Buffalo. Bylsma completed his second season.

After finishing 35-36-11 last season, the Sabres took a step back this past year. They went 33-37-12 and finished last in the Atlantic Division standings.

Draisaitl meets with NHL following spear

NEW YORK (AP) — Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl has avoided a suspension for his spearing of San Jose's Chris Tierney during Tuesday's game at San Jose.

The NHL Department of Player Safety had a hearing with Draisaitl Wednesday before fining him just over $2,500, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement. Draisaitl received a major penalty and game misconduct when he hit Tierney in the groin with his stick during Edmonton's 7-0 loss to the Sharks.